MARY (GUINAN) NEUFELD
April 1, 1939 – April 21, 2018

Those bright blue eyes that would sparkle like diamonds with the animated telling of each new story have shone upon us for the final time. Mary (Guinan) Neufeld passed away in her sleep at her beloved home in Bragg Creek, Alberta at the age of 79 – just 3 months short of her 50th wedding anniversary.

On Saturday, June 2nd, 2 pm – 5 pm a Celebration of Mary Neufeld will be fittingly held at the Bragg Creek Roundhall – a historic dance venue located at 57 Bracken Road, Bragg Creek. Bring your dancing shoes.

Mary leaves behind her husband, Victor Neufeld; sons, David (wife Angela, daughter Ava) & Michael (wife Sumyu, sons Joel, Tobin and Blaine); and siblings, Tom Guinan (Halifax, NS), Geraldine Brown (Bedford, NS) and Anne Marie Barter (Riverview, NB).

Mary was born in Halifax, NS. She was very active in the city’s thriving live jazz scene of the late ‘50s. A modern Renaissance woman, she developed a talent for sculpting and dancing, and had a passion for science and mythology. She worked in the Victoria General Hospital Cancer Clinic in a clerical position, where she would bring levity to a difficult job and was selected to attend a national conference in London, Ontario.

In 1963 Mary said farewell to Nova Scotia and moved to Calgary, where she worked in diverse range of jobs: as a data entry specialist for BA Oil, as an Occupational Therapist working with veterans at the Colonel Belcher Hospital and in the City Clerk’s office at City Hall. In 1968 she married Victor Neufeld (who was renting downstairs from her when they met). Soon after the birth of their first son, they moved to their acreage in the woods. While Mary left the workforce, she excelled at the hard work of a stay-at-home mom.

An original member of the Bragg Creek Artisans, she was provided a unique opportunity to develop and pursue her many interests: sculpture, photography, weaving, gardening, sewing and even animation. Several of her photographs were selected as part of a national competition for Heritage Canada and were featured on promotional materials. Mary discovered a new passion after responding to a call for movie extras. Her fellow extras lovingly referred to her as “Granny”. She went on to appear (however briefly) in several series and films, including: Lonesome Dove, Shanghai Noon and Speaking of Sex (wait till the credits!) While filming Open Range, she managed to charm actor and director Kevin Costner.

In her later years, Mary expressed her creativity through gardening and was an avid reader (especially spy novels, medical thrillers and biographies). She absolutely doted on her four grandchildren who brought joy to her. Right to the end she would write notes recording ideas for books, movies and cartoons.

Mary will be remembered for her vivacious personality, endless creativity, sharp mind, vitality, unapologetic feistiness, endless well of stories, and for lighting up any room she entered. She was truly intrepid in all that she did.

Rather than sending a bouquet, Mary would have preferred that you simply take the time to plant a flower… and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us in nature.
To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Mary please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.